WCAG Accessibility Requirements for Forms
- Nate Byrnes
- Jan 25, 2023
- 2 min read
General (non exhaustive) list of Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) requirements for web forms:
1.1.1 Non-text Content: Provide alternative text for all non-text content, such as images and icons, used within the form.
1.3.1 Info and Relationships: Ensure that the form fields have clear and descriptive labels and instructions, and that the relationship between form fields is logical and easy to understand.
2.1.1 Keyboard: The form should be fully navigable using a keyboard, with clear visual focus indicators and logical tab order.
2.4.3 Focus Order: Ensure that the tab order of form fields is logical and consistent with the visual layout of the form.
2.4.4 Link Purpose (In Context): Ensure that the purpose of each link within the form is clear and easy to understand.
3.3.1 Error Identification: Ensure that form fields have built-in input validation and that error messages are clear, specific, and easy to understand.
3.3.2 Labels or Instructions: Provide clear and descriptive labels and instructions for all form fields.
4.1.2 Name, Role, Value: Use ARIA (Accessible Rich Internet Applications) attributes to provide additional information and context to assistive technologies.
4.1.3 Status Messages: Provide clear and concise status messages to inform the user of the current state of the form and any errors that may have occurred.
1.4.3 Contrast (Minimum): The form should have sufficient color contrast between text and background to ensure readability for users with visual impairments.
1.4.4 Resize text: Provide the ability to resize text up to 200% without the loss of content or functionality
2.4.7 Focus Visible: Use a clear visual indicator to show which form field has focus.
3.2.2 On Input: Provide clear instructions on how to fill out the form and what to expect next.
3.2.3 Consistent Navigation: Provide consistent navigation throughout the form, making it easy to understand where the user is and how to move to the next step.
It's important to keep in mind that WCAG is a set of guidelines and it's not a one-size-fits-all, it's important to evaluate the accessibility of your form based on the specific needs of your users and your organization
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